Discover Écija, A Beautiful Andalusian Town
In Andalusia there are dozens of towns that are worth visiting, and Écija is one of those that always surprises. It is in the province of Seville, although it is already very close to Córdoba. They say that it is the “skillet of Spain” due to the temperatures that are registered here in summer, but beyond the anecdote, it is a beautiful city. Will you accompany us to tour it?
Écija : Roman, Arabic and Christian
It is known that this area was already inhabited in the Paleolithic. However, the true “history” of Écija begins with the Romanization of the 2nd century BC. It is then that a town was founded on the orders of Emperor Augustus.
Centuries later, in the year 711, the first Arab troops would arrive, commanded by Táriq ibn Ziyad. At that time it was known as “the city of cotton” for the wealth provided by the irrigation of the Genil River. The Islamic wall that delimits the street layout of the city is still preserved along with the albarrana towers.
The Castilian conquest of Écija took place in the year 1240 at the hands of Fernando III. Muslims and Christians lived in harmony until 1263, when it was occupied by Alfonso X. In 1402 Henry III granted it the title of city and in the 17th century many of the temples were erected that we can still see today.
What to visit in Écija
After a quick review of the great history of this city, now is the time to make a list of the main attractions of Écija. And there are many. In fact, his is one of the most impressive historical centers in Andalusia.
1. Churches
In Écija you can visit several temples of great beauty. The neoclassical Parroquia Mayor de Santa Cruz stands out. In the same style is the Church of Santa Bárbara, built on an old mosque in the Plaza de España. And very close is the Church of San Francisco, with a patio, two altarpieces and a chapel.
You can also visit the 16th century church of Hospital de la Concepción. Or those of San Gil and San Juan, both with beautiful baroque towers. And they are just some examples of the magnificent churches that are scattered throughout the historical part of the city.
2. Convents
In Écija there are also several convents. The one in Santa Florentina is the oldest. In La Merced there is a beautiful baroque dressing room. The one of the Visitation of Santa Isabel, known as Las Filipenses, stands out for its brick wall and its church with Mudejar alfarje. And in the one of the Franciscan Conceptionists a church with a wonderful baroque decoration is discovered.
3. Palaces
Civil architecture is also very important in the city. Visit the Peñaflor Palace, built in the 18th century and which has the longest balcony in Spain. The Benamejí Palace dates from the same period and currently houses the Municipal Historical Museum. It has a large brick facade with balconies and two large towers at the ends.
The Valdehermoso Palace, from the 16th century, has an important Plateresque façade and robust granite viewpoints. It is the most privileged point of the historic center of Écija because from there you can admire many nearby buildings.
The Palace of Justice stands out for its wonderful coffered ceilings and its interior decoration, which reminds us of the Alhambra. And the list of palaces goes on: Los Granados, Prados Castellanos or Alcántara, among others.
4. The streets of Écija
Every street has something to admire. We recommend that you walk through Arcipreste Aparicio street, with its palaces and its views of the Santa Ana and San Gil towers.
For its part, Bizco Pardal Street, also known as Callejuela del Cojo, belonged to the old Morería area. On Garcilaso street you will discover important buildings such as the Garcilaso de la Vega Palace. And Calle Mármoles will surprise you with its narrowness.
And everything we have shown you is only a small part of the beauty that Écija keeps. A city in which you will discover a treasure in every square and in every corner.
